Weezer to headline first-ever Charm City Music Festival in September

Once Virgin Fest left Pimlico Race Course for Merriweather Post Pavilion in 2009, Baltimore — no stranger to niche music festivals — was left without an all-day, major-headliner event. The wait is over: Alt-rock heroes Weezer will headline the first-ever Charm City Music Festival on Sept. 15 at Harbor Point (1000 Wills St.), the new waterfront location across from the Caroline Street garage.

Tickets go on sale next Friday, June 8 at 10 a.m. via missiontix.com and ticketmaster.com. General admission will cost $48.50, while VIP tickets will run $94.50.

Like other popular music festivals, there will be more than just music, including local vendors, artists and plenty of food options (the press release specifically mentions steamed crabs and other Baltimore "staples"). Concert-goers with VIP tickets will have access to a tented lounge, premium food, air-conditioned restrooms and complimentary massages.

Local acts will perform as well, including All Mighty Senators, Jah Works, Ballyhoo and Loving the Lie. And because it's not a real music festival in 2012 without one, an electronic dance tent will feature local DJs.

Given the rising popularity of music festivals (they're popping up everywhere, including Metallica's Orion Festival in Atlantic City and the Firefly Music Festival in Delaware), it seemed inevitable Baltimore would join the action. Still, this is shaping up to be an impressive summer addition to the city's live music scene.